Shopportunities: Booting Up Again

It’s years since I’ve worn a pair, but I’ve fallen in love with boots again—what should I know?

—Tanya F, Sanibel

There are indeed some beautiful boots available this season. If you’re looking for a pair to wear with a dress or skirt, tall boots look great, especially if there’s no gap between hemline and boot top. If your preference is for pants, try a shorter, biker-style boot with jeans. An elegant heeled, ankle-length bootie is perfect teamed with some tailored trousers. The trend of wearing a short boot with a short dress needs some consideration, as a dark block of color on the foot has the effect of visually shortening the leg. Wearing them with dark-colored leggings or hose is one solution, but in the warmth of a Florida winter, another option is to pick a short boot in a light color such as nude, camel or taupe. Don’t forget the enduring appeal of a decorated cowboy boot—you can pair them with just about anything in your wardrobe and they’ll never go out of style.

To read the entire article, pick up Gulfshore Life at select newsstands or purchase a copy of the digital edition. A full version of the story will be available on Feb. 3. Or subscribe now to Southwest Florida's leading magazine.

What to Wear: TO UNDER THE EIFFEL TOWER, A JOURNEY TO 1920S PARIS

This evocatively named event takes place on Jan. 17 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples to benefit the David Lawrence Center and Foundation. For this event, think in terms of sleek, dropped-waist dresses, fringing, headbands, Art Deco shapes for accessories and jewelry; you can even channel your inner Chanel by layering strand upon strand of long pearls. For men, if you’re daring, a pair of plus-fours would certainly show you to be a “good sport.” Collegiate stripes and a pair of correspondent shoes both give a nod to the era, or for a more formal look, a bow tie and onyx cufflinks would be just the ticket.